Voices of internationally educated nurses: policy recommendations for credentialing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Migration Studies
• Healthcare Workforce Policy
• International Professional Credentialing

Background:

• Addresses policy recommendations for credentialing Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) migrating to developed nations.
• Draws on qualitative data from IENs in Canada, with broader applicability to international nursing and midwifery professionals.
• Includes credentialing examples from Australia, EU, New Zealand, UK, and USA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose policy recommendations for streamlining the credentialing process for Internationally Educated Nurses.
• To enhance the integration programs for IENs in high-income countries.
• To identify areas for improved coordination between immigration and regulatory bodies.

Main Methods:

• Employs a biographical narrative (qualitative) research methodology.
• Utilizes a convenience sample of 12 Internationally Educated Nurses.
• Gathers recommendations based on the lived experiences of participating IENs.

Main Results:

• IENs advocate for transparent, standardized, and harmonized credentialing processes.
• Recommendations cover credentialing both prior to and upon arrival in the destination country.
• Suggestions provided to improve the relevance of IEN integration programs.

Conclusions:

• National immigration agencies and nursing regulatory bodies should enhance coordination.
• Improved coordination can facilitate the processing of IEN migrant applications.
• Policy implications focus on creating more equitable and efficient credentialing pathways for IENs.